San José (Costa Rica)

Waves, Mountains and Volcanoes

Costa Rica is hard to match in diversity. Set between two oceans, this surfers’ paradise is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. A mountain chain with several three-thousanders cuts across the country. Over a quarter of this Central American gem consists of nature parks and conservation areas. Add Costa Rica’s more than one hundred volcanoes to the mix and you have all the ingredients for a dream holiday.

San José, Costa Rica’s capital city, lies at an altitude of 3845 feet (1172 m) above sea level. The city usually serves as a starting point for travel to the beaches, mountains and nature parks. Having said that, it is worth sauntering along the streets of this lively place and enjoying its parks, museums and restaurants.

Flight time

Distance

Time difference

Exchange rate

Language

Spanish

A cup of cappuccino costs around

CHF 2.43

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea

Surfers and sun worshippers are likely to head straight to the many beaches along Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Some of the nicest are on the Nicoya Peninsula, including Playa Santa Teresa where consistent winds offer some of the best surf conditions in Central America.

Tamarindo, situated in a wide bay along the north Pacific coast, is one of the country’s most popular travel destinations. Its long sand beaches are tantamount to a slice of paradise not only for water sports enthusiasts, but also for sea turtles. Guanacaste in the northwest is home to Playa Avellana where surfing waves swell to several metres in height and a friendly resident pig called Lolita takes pleasure in welcoming visitors.

Edelweiss Holiday Stories

Nature at all heights

Apropos pigs: Costa Rica is the habitat of more than one hundred animal species, some of which can be found in the many national parks. A visit to Chirripò National Park is a very special experience. The park includes Costa Rica’s highest mountain, Cerro Chirripò, which rises to an elevation of 12,532 ft. (3820 m). Tropically infused natural reserves, such as Piedras Blancas National Park featuring springs, rivers, sand beaches and cliffs, await visitors to the country’s south.

From adventurers to families, Costa Rica is a great destination for all holiday types. And with climate zones ranging from tropical to sub-tropical and occasionally chilly temperatures in the mountains, it is also the right choice for all weather types. To sum it up: Costa Rica is a country to suit all tastes!

Information for golf fans

A holiday that includes golf, or a golfing holiday? What a great decision to have to make! Let our special page inspire and inform you: